Two-motor cassett type tape recorder

Abstract

A capstan is driven by a first motor at a constant tape play speed. A second motor is provided for selectively driving a supply wheel assembly and a take-up and fast-forward wheel assembly. The selective drive of the two assemblies is effected by a single idler which is driven by engagement with the second motor. The take-up and fast-forward wheel assembly comprises a take-up clutch wheel and fast-forward clutch wheel on a single shaft. The selective drive of these two wheels is effected by varying the height of the idler with respect to the chassis to correspond each of the wheels by means of a cam provided on a platform on which magnetic heads and pinch roller are mounted.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A tape recording-reproducing apparatus, comprising; a chassis receptive of a cassette having a tape for recording signals thereon and reproducing the signals;   a capstan rotatably mounted on said chassis; a motor on said chassis for driving said capstan at a constant peripheral speed for the recording and reproducing of signals;   a pinch roller movable between an active position in which the roller is in frictional engagement with the tape on the periphery of the capstan and an inactive position wherein the roller is withdrawn from the tape;   first clutch wheel means for driving a first tape wheel of the cassette to rewind the tape;   second and third clutch wheel means coaxially arranged for driving an second tape reel in the cassette to wind the tape in forward direction at different speeds;   an idler wheel mounted on said chassis and movable between a first active position in which said idler wheel is in frictional engagement with the periphery of said first clutch wheel means, a second active position in which said idler wheel is in frictional engagement with the periphery of said second clutch wheel means, and a third active position in which said idler wheel is in frictional engagement with periphery of said third clutch wheel means;   reversable motor means having a driving shaft in frictional driving engagement with the periphery of said idler wheel for moving that wheel in said first active position and, at different speeds, in said second and third active positions;   means for axially moving said idler wheel between said second and third active position; and   transducing means for the recording and reproducing of signals on the tape; whereby said reversable motor means and said motor for driving said capstan are enabled to drive the apparatus for rewinding the tape by said first tape reel and for playing and fast forward moving of the tape by said second tape reel.   
     
     
       2. Apparatus according to claim 1 including linkage supporting said idler wheel and comprising first and second arms, said idler wheel being rotatably mounted on the first arm, said arm being pivotally connected to the second arm and that arm being pivoted on said chassis; said second arm being biased to urge said idler wheel toward said driving shaft of said reversable motor. 
     
     
       3. Apparatus according to claim 1 additionally including a pair of generally L-shaped pivoted members opposedly biased toward each other, each L-shaped member having two arms one of which is selectively engageable in frictional contact with the peripheries of said first, second and third clutch wheels, and a pin disposed between and engageable with end portions of the other arms and to disengage said one arm of each L-shaped member from said frictional contact. 
     
     
       4. Apparatus according to claim 1 additionally including a support member for supporting the cassette received in the chassis, said support member being movable between an active position in which said pinch roller is in frictional contact with the tape of the cassette, on the periphery of said capstan, and said transducing heads are in contact with one side of the tape, and a normally inactive position in which said pinch roller and transducing heads are disengaged from said contact thereof; and said means for axially moving said idler wheel comprising a cam, fixed on said movable support member and engageable with a shaft of said idler wheel for axially moving said shaft and wheel relative to said chassis; and means for moving said support member and cam so that said idler wheel is moved between said second and third active positions. 
     
     
       5. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the first clutch wheel means has a first spindle coaxial and engagable with a tape reel in the cassette, in said active position, for rewinding the tape; and the second clutch wheel means comprises a second and a third clutch wheel coaxially mounted on said chassis and a second spindle coaxial with said second and third clutch wheels and engagable with another tape reel in the cassette in said active position thereof for forward winding of tape; the second clutch wheel means also comprising means for rapidly rotating said second spindle for fast forward winding and means for more slowly forwardly turning said second spindle for pick-up of the tape. 
     
     
       6. Apparatus according to claim 4 including linkage supporting said idler wheel and comprising first and second arms, said idler wheel being rotatably mounted on the first arm, said arm being pivotally connected to the second arm and that arm being pivoted on said chassis; said second arm being biased to urge said idler wheel toward said driving shaft of said reversable motor. 
     
     
       7. Apparatus according to claim 4 additionally including a pair of generally L-shaped pivoted members opposedly biased toward each other, each L-shaped member having two arms one of which is selectively engageable in frictional contact with the periphery of said first, second and third clutch wheels, and a pin disposed between and engageable with end portions of the other arms and to disengage said one arm of each L-shaped member from said frictional contact.